At the Dining Hall in Kingston Castle, Bonnie Kingston has gathered her six children for an emergency meeting. With all that had happened in Arcana over the past few days, she has recognized she has no choice but to assemble her children to discuss what had once come to her as an unthinkable thought. Nevertheless, she had summoned her children to oversee the only choice their sliding Champion had given them.

At the head of the table, Bonnie is a shaken woman. All of her plans for the future of the family are falling apart, if what the news reports of her grandson's involvement in the destruction of that helicopter were true. She didn't know what to believe. She was mortified of making the wrong decision once more, and thus had since decided to hand control of the fate of Arcana and the Pokémon League to her children, as she believes James would have wanted.

To her right sits Erin and Robert, who not only had to close their gyms in Alchemiburg and Charizark Town to even be here, but had not taken this news of Michael's potential involvement very well. Erin was not handling the situation of her son being in this kind of a situation well at all. It had barely been a few days since his explosive interview with Walter O'Hara and now this rumor of him being involved with the crash by Mt. Heatmor. Like Bonnie, she was petrified of making the wrong decision and losing her son for the second time in her life. But she was more concerned with what he was going through than anything else. As for Robert, he had been the only one of the Kingston Family that had stuck by Michael's side when Giselle wanted him exiled. But now, he had his own sons to worry about and wasn't sure he wanted them to find out about Michael's actions, considering how much the two idolized him.

To Lady Bonnie's left were three of her sons: Jeice, Doug and Junior. Despite being named for his father, James Jr. (also known as Junior), was little like his father. Having taken to the more political life style of his mother than the more heroic image of his father, Junior was the golden example of what Michael truly detested about his family. He wasn't a particularly strong Pokémon Trainer and his tenure as his father's successor as Champion lasted only a few weeks after he was crushed by the up and coming Giselle. He was content to live the life of an elite in Arcana and had no problem flaunting his own desires over the rest of the family, including his own nephew. Doug, while not the oldest of the Kingston Children, certainly looked the part with long streaks of light gray hair. Having recently had surgery on his knees to repair them, he had passed control of the Gym in Taghwan City to his son Daniel. Doug was the son that most closely held James's legacy and took his father's legacy to heart. Jeice, who was Chris and Cam's father, had spent the past few years trying to be the bridge between his children and Michael with the rest of the family. Like his son, Jeice had a well refined beard and had been a bit if a womanizer before marrying his second wife, Shannon.

Across from Bonnie at the other end of the table was perhaps the only one of the Kingston Family Adults that was still on Michael's side besides Chris. Byron had been the only one who had heard his nephew through and knew that Michael had been sincere. Even though he knew little about the Crimson Fury or about anything his nephew had been enduring through, he trusted that his nephew was doing what was right in pursuing the Syndicate. Anyone closely associated with the man who murdered his father deserved the hammer of justice. And if that responsibility fell to Michael, he was fine with it. His nephew had taken it upon himself to do what the rest of the family was either too afraid or not strong enough to do and defeated Giselle Odelia and reunited the divided family. However, while he loved his mother and brothers, the bureaucracy they also lived every day had returned and it was already causing a wedge to brew between his family.

"Alright" Bonnie called to her children. "We all know why we're here. Let's not scuttle about the issue. We have something very important to discuss and something that will have serious consequences if we choose to enact it."

"There isn't a debate" Junior said plainly. "At least their shouldn't be. We all care about Michael, but he doesn't have all of his mental capabilities at this time. For the good of the region, the family and the Pokémon League, he needs to be removed from his post as Champion."

"Not until we have enough evidence pointing to him being guilty" Byron warned his brother.

"Byron" Robert looked to his older brother, "You can't tell me that-"

"I only know from my own mistakes" Byron said. "We didn't believe Michael once and it ended up having us live under Giselle's tyranny for four years."

Erin looked to each of her brothers who put their opinions forward in silent reflection. She could not believe it had come to this a second time. And this time, she might never see her son again after he leaves the Elite Four this time.

"And I think we've eaten enough humble pie over that" Junior encouraged his brothers.

"Speak for yourself" Jeice said. "As far as my kids are concerned, we haven't done enough."

"Even Cameron?" Doug asked.

"Even Cameron" Jeice repeated. "We made our mistakes. And if it weren't for Julia Pines, Giselle would still be running all of Arcana like a dictator."

"We can't keep living in the past" Junior warned. "We have to think about what's good for the rest of the family as well as Arcana. And there are enough people in Arcana who think he's guilty of this."

"If Billy was the one who had done this" Erin asked her eldest brother, "would you be so quick to cast judgement on him?"

"My son didn't do this, though" Junior insisted.

"But have your kids forgiven you for casting their cousin out once already?" Jeice asked him.

"I don't need my kids forgiveness" Junior insisted. "I don't regret following the laws we have set in the first place and my kids know that. Michael clearly doesn't."

"Well that's good for you" Robert told his brother. "But if my kids got wind that we're even considering voting Michael out as Champion, they'll probably never forgive me."

"And do you think we could just restructure the Pokémon League so easily?" Byron asked. "Mark and Lizzie are guaranteed to leave once Michael is out and I don't think Chris is going to stay around. With one removal, we've drained the Pokémon League of four very powerful trainers."

"Two of whom aren't a part of Arcana's-"

Erin rose from the table. "If you so much as think about quoting Walter O'Hara in front of me, I will punch you in the face, Junior!"

Junior shrunk from the challenge.

Erin cleared her throat. "This topic is up for debate. Byron is right. We need to understand that any decision we make will have damning consequences for the entirety of the family." She held her hand close to her heart. "It breaks my heart each and every day I don't hear from my son. And I know all too well that if he leaves Arcana again, he will never come back."

"And that is why we need to keep him on as Champion" Byron said. "Even if it's just through to the end of this season. The league cannot afford to have such flimsy leadership."

"Has Tori said anything?" Bonnie asked her daughter.

"Only that she would never forgive us if we drive Michael away again" Erin said bluntly.

"You're missing the point, Erin" Junior insisted. "Michael isn't stable. This isn't him being a tyrant. This is him being unwell."

"On the words of a lunatic talk show host?" Byron snapped.

"Call him whatever you will" Doug said, "there are enough people in Arcana who take his word as gospel." He lowered his head. "Enough that might believe that Michael is capable of doing something on this magnitude. I hate to even bring it up, but he did admit to blowing up that research facility."

"The facility he was tortured and kidnapped in" Erin snarled. "This isn't some easy choice to make like it is for you. This is my son. My only boy."

"Your son is unwell" Junior said. "This isn't us telling him he can't be the Champion ever again. This is us telling him that he needs to take a lengthy vacation, at least until this whole Crimson Moon thing goes away."

Jeice stressed over this decision. "Chris and Michael are like brothers. If we vote Michael out, I could lose my son as well."

Robert sighed. "I'll take peace in Arcana over my sons being angry at me for a short while. I'm sorry and I love my nephew. But Michael isn't well. This has to be done."

Bonnie cleared her throat. "Those in favor of Michael remaining on as League Champion?" Byron and Erin raised their hands.

"Those in favor of Michael's removal?" Junior, Doug, Robert, Jeice and Bonnie raised their hands. Bonnie took a deep breath. "James, forgive me. Summon Michael here immediately."

{Meanwhile}

Continuing on from Terra Town, completely oblivious to the political situation around his family, Ryan leads Addison and Holly towards the next major step on their journeys to become a Pokémon Master and the next Queen of Arcana in Taghwan City. Fresh off his impressive victory over Greg, Ryan is growing increasingly more confident in his own abilities and cannot wait for the day he can demonstrate his skills in front of his cousins or another member of the Elite Four like Mark or Lizzie. Despite this, Ryan knows his team could use a little more help and is determined to add another Pokémon to his team in some way, shape or form.

Addison has continued to bond with her Eevee since they left Taghwan. Although she would prefer to utilize as many Pokémon from her team as possible in her Contest Choreography, she knows all too well that her Eevee would no doubt be the most popular member of her team, even when she ultimately chose to evolve it into a Vaporeon with the Water Stone she got from Sailor Ralph back in Pocus Town. Despite also recently acquiring a Pokémon (the Ralts she and Ryan had met in the meadows just outside of Kingston Castle), she too was bound and determined to catch for herself a new team member, preferably a Grass Type to counteract the weaknesses her team looked to soon be having.

Holly was becoming less and less interested in being the Queen of Arcana and more and more smitten with Ryan with each passing day they traveled together. Though she was also aware of Addison's small crush on him, she thought it paled in comparison to her. While she too wanted to learn and become a Pokémon Trainer like Ryan and a coordinator like Addison, she also planned on one day being able to confess how she feels to Ryan and see where things went from there. But so long as Addison was around, she knew she would have her work cut out for her in those regards.

The three came across a lush green meadow that reminded them of Craft Terrace. It was a tranquil patch of land where Grass Pokémon roamed wild and free. In the various patches of grass and among the very flowers themselves were a varying bunch of Grass Pokémon, from Cherubis, Oddishes, Hoppips and Sunkerns, to Tangelas and Bellsprouts.

Ryan smacked himself in the head. "You're telling me I could have just come out here to get a Grass Pokemon to use in Greg's Gym?"

Addison laughed. "We all messed up on this one. Who would have guessed that the areas outside of Terra Town would be abundant in Pokémon capable of beating Greg's Ground Type Pokémon?"

"Personally" Holly said sweetly, "I think it was better that you beat him without needing to worry about Type Advantages all that much. You proved just how good of a trainer you're becoming."

"Thanks, Holly" Ryan remarked, content with himself at the praise she gave him.

"Don't overstrike his ego, Holly" Addison said, sighing to herself.

"I think he earned it" Holly said.

Addison was about to reply, when a small green Pokémon jumped out of the bushes and chirped at her. She was a quadruped with a small leaf atop her head. She seemed ready for a battle with one of the trainers.

"Aw, what's this cutie's name?" Holly asked her friends.

Addison pulled up her Pokédex App and ran through the data. "This is Chikorita. It's a rare Pokémon."

"In that case" Ryan grinned, straightening out his bandanna. "I think she'll fit in really-"

"Really well on my team" Addison finished, quickly jumping up to battle and causing Ryan to nearly fall over in shock.

"Wait, isn't it my turn to catch a Pokémon?" Holly asked.

"There are plenty of Pokémon around here" Addison insisted. "But this little one is going to be mine!" She reached for her Poké Ball on her belt. "Go Zura!" Her Venonat emerged from the Poké Ball and eyed the attacking Chikorita and turned his focus on her.

The Chikorita fired a series of sharp looking leaves at the Venonat, but the Bug Pokémon took the hit surprisingly well. Undaunted, the Bug Pokémon ran over to the Chikorita and took a bite out of her, causing the Pokémon to fall over in pain and cry.

"What did you do that for, Zura?" Addison cried out. "I was going to tell you Confusion, not Leech Life!"

Ryan sighed. "Easy come, easy go."

Addison nodded to herself and pulled out a Pokémon Ball from her pocket. "Alright, Chikorita! Prepare to be caught!" She threw the Poké Ball at the Chikorita and snared it. The Poké Ball landed on the ground, wiggled three times, then secured the capture. "That's how it's done!"

"Good job, Addy" Ryan told his best friend.

Addison picked up the Poké Ball and smiled to herself. "That makes four for me."

Holly nodded. "That's it! I'm going to catch my next Pokémon, if it kills me!"

"That's the spirit, Holly" Ryan told her. "Just look out for a Pokémon that looks appealing."

"Then what?" Holly asked.

"Then follow through with what Mike taught us" Ryan said.

"What Mike taught us?" Holly repeated, completely confused.

Addison gasped. "That's right. You and Tommy left before Mike came to help train us. You don't know how to catch Pokémon." Zura chirped a response and ran over to try and take the Poké Ball from his trainer, but Addison pushed the Bug aside. "Do you mind, Zura? Why is it every time you're out of the Poké Ball is an adventure?" The Venonat eyed her and buzzed at her happily.

"It's okay, Addy" Ryan laughed. "You look a little busy at the moment. You corral your team together. I'll go and help Holly catch a Pokémon."

Addison nodded. "If you say so, thanks Ryan." She then grabbed her Venonat and began to lead him over to a more peaceful part of the meadow so that she may ensure the rest of her Pokémon.

"You will?" Holly asked, doing her best not to blush in front of him.

"Of course" Ryan said. "Look for a Pokémon you want and then I'll help you do the rest."

Holly looked at all of the Pokémon nearby, but frowned. "These aren't the Pokémon I wanted."

Ryan laughed. "Then what was the Pokémon that you wanted?" When she looked over a little miffed at Addison, he put his arm around her to distract her. "Okay, besides Chikorita?"

"Well" Holly said, "there was one I saw on TV."

"What was it?" Ryan asked.

"It's called a Roselia" she explained. "There was this really handsome guy from Hoenn who had one."

"Is it because of a guy?" Ryan laughed.

Holly shrugged. "I'm a girl of simple taste."

With Addison struggling to keep her Venonat in order, Ryan pulled out his Poké Gear to look up the Roselia for Holly. When he got his Pokédex App out, he looked up the Pokémon she was talking about. Roselia was a Pokémon that looked like a rose, with one set of Red Petals and another set of Blue Petals. And according to his Pokédex, both Roselia and it's pre-evolved form of Budew were attainable nearby.

"Well, you're in luck" Ryan told her. "We can catch one nearby. They should be in those woods over there." He pointed towards the woods beyond the meadow they were currently in.

"Great" Holly cheered. "Let's go!" She hurried towards the woods.

Ryan turned towards Addison. "We're gonna go look for a Roselia, Addy."

"Okay, Ry" she called back, holding her Venonat in place while she brushed it. "I'll catch up with you guys in a little bit."

Ryan nodded and followed Holly into the forest. Upon entering the heavily wooded area, the two began to look for the Roselia that Holly wanted to add to her team. But to his confusion, instead of looking separately, Holly was moving exactly where he was, by his side with every step they took. After several minutes of this, he looked over towards Holly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah I am" she responded. "I was just thinking about the Ball."

"Still?" Ryan laughed. "You must have really had fun."

"Of course I did" Holly replied. "Didn't you?"

"Yeah" Ryan said, looking through the various flower patches for the Roselias his Pokédex claimed were nearby. "A lot more fun than I thought I would."

"There were so many nice people there, too" Holly recalled. "Did you have a favorite part?"

Ryan thought for a moment. "Learning I could dance was pretty fun, I guess. What about you?"

"Well" she said, smiling as she recalled. "My favorite part was, oddly enough, when you and I were paired up."

"Really?" Ryan asked, still remarkably dense to Holly's advances. "I didn't think I was that good."

"Ryan" Holly beamed, "you were incredible. Any girl who didn't dance with you at the Ball should be kicking themselves as far as I'm concerned."

"Aw, thanks Holly" Ryan said. "You're pretty good, yourself."

"You think so?" Holly asked, almost chirping out the answer.

Before Ryan could assert his position, he came to a stop when he saw what they had been looking for. There was a bed of flowers where a bunch of small Grass Pokemon that had yet to blossom were surrounding a Roselia. "This is it. Here's your Roselia." Holly was about to hurry and try to catch it, but Ryan caught her wrist. "Hold on a second. Just lobbing Poké Balls at your Pokémon isn't very smart. You have to aim, just right."

"How do I do that?" Holly asked, playing dumb for her crush.

Ryan took her arm and made the throwing motion with, causing her blush brightly. "Like this. Make sure you aim properly before you throw. Okay?"

"I think I got it" Holly said. She did as Ryan instructed and lobbed a Poké Ball at the Roselia. However, the Roselia saw this and batted the Poké Ball away with her Rose blossoms. Before Ryan and Holly could recover, the Roselia spat out a spore like substance into the skies. Ryan and Holly began to choke on the powders she emitted, while the Roselia and other Pokémon escaped deeper into the forest.

Ryan waved the toxic spores away. "Poison Powder!" he exclaimed.

Holly coughed heavily, doing her best not to breathe in the poisonous air. "Where di-where did they go?"

Ryan pointed beyond the small wooden fence separating the forest from the Flower Sanctuary nearby. "There they go. Into the Flower Sanctuary!" Before Ryan could recover and plan their next move, Holly leaped over the wooden fence, determined to catch a Budew or the Roselia. Ryan sighed and hurried along after her. After several minutes of looking for Holly, he found her making her way over towards the reset bunch of Budey and Roselia. She had a Poké Ball in hand and was slowly making her way over to see them.

"Holly?" he called to her.

Holly leaped to his side and put her hand over his mouth. "Shh. We can't scare them off again." She looked down and saw a Budew struggling to free it's tiny feet from a root it was caught in.

"Here's your chance" Ryan said, after Holly removed her hand from his mouth.

Holly hesitated. She saw how terrified the Budew was and instead decided to free it from the roots and allow it to run. The Budew was at first surprised, but then quickly raced over to it's family in the flower bed. Before Ryan could ask her why she let it go, Holly shook her head. "It isn't right to take advantage of Pokemon like that."

Ryan was about to argue, when he saw something coming out of the bush nearby. He grabbed Holly and slipped behind a tree to observe. "There's something coming."

"What is it?" she asked him.

Ryan looked around the corner and saw a vacuum like object sucking up the Roselia and its Budews. Within seconds, all of the Grass Pokémon had been taken away by the machine.

"They're taking the Budews" Ryan growled.

"Who?"

"I'm about to find out, wait here!" Ryan told her. He was about to head out, but she grabbed his wrist.

"We do this together" Holly told him.

Ryan sighed and nodded. "Come on, let's go." The two rounded the corner and saw a large machine with a glass dome containing the Budews and Roselias. The machine was tank-like, with wide treads that could be used to drag over long stretched of land as needed. A woman, who had been piloting the machine, was reporting on her success.

"The Spore will soon be in our hands" she reported on the phone.

"The spore?" Holly asked.

"Shh" Ryan hushed her. "I can't hear."

"We'll have more than enough to keep him happy. I'll be back at the base in about an hour." With that, the woman hung up her Pokémon Gear and was about to climb into the machine to drive off.

Ryan moved faster. "Go Sparks! Use Thundershock!" Ryan's Jolteon leaped out of it's Poké Ball and fired a charge of electrical energy. But the attacks had no effect on the glass barrier. It did, however, draw the attention of the woman, who got out of the machine and marched over to them.

"Do you rags mind?" she snapped.

"What are you doing stealing all these Pokémon?" Ryan demanded.

She rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for a class lesson, kid. Get out of here or else provoke me to a battle!"

Ryan grinned. "Then I guess we know where we're going to go with this!" His Jolteon stood forward and barked in union with his trainer.

The woman rolled her eyes. "This is ridiculous." She called out her mighty Parasect, who glared at the two trainers who were confronting her. "You brought this on yourselves you pests! Parasect, use Spore!"

The huge fungal Grass and Bug Pokémon shot out a cloud of dust that made Ryan drowsy. He and Holly had been hit in full blast with the Spore and soon collapsed beside each other, sound asleep.